Liz Austin is a professional dressage rider, trainer, and clinician whose career has been dedicated to developing horses from their very first steps under saddle to the international CDI arena.

Known for her elegant riding and thoughtful horsemanship, Liz has represented the United States on the international stage and earned recognition for producing horses to the very top of the sport.

Her journey began early - she had her first pony at just 1.5 years and her first horse at age 10! Without means to purchase made horses, Liz built her career by making her own, carefully producing young and homebred horses up the levels to international success. By her early twenties, she was already competing at FEI, earning her USDF bronze, silver, and gold medals before the age of 21.

A defining chapter came through her partnership with her homebred stallion Olivier (“Fizzy”). As the pair rose to fame, Liz was often encouraged to ride him with more force, but that never felt right in her heart. Time spent training with Carl Hester confirmed what she had always believed: success at the very top of the sport can (and should) be achieved with kindness, softness, and respect for the horse.

This philosophy continues to shape her riding, training, and teaching today. For Liz, what’s often labeled as “disobedience” is not misbehavior, but the horse’s only way of communicating, and it’s up to the rider to listen and help; and she has done so with multiple horses in her program.

Meet Liz

“Success at the very top of the sport can (and should) be achieved with kindness, softness, and respect for the horse”

Accomplishments

Highlights Include:

  • Shortlisted for the 2010 World Equestrian Games on her homebred stallion, Olivier

  • Named Reserve Rider for the 2011 FEI World Cup with Olivier

  • Multiple CDI wins and top placings in the United States

  • Developing homebred horses which she bred and trained herself to the FEI levels - a rarity in modern dressage

  • Consistent national recognition for her performance and sportsmanship

2025

  • Coached clients at multiple USDF shows in Florida

  • Client Highlight: Bronze medal achieved for Anne Hutchins on Stella

2024

  • Coached clients at multiple USDF shows in New England and Florida, culminating in a Silver medal achievement for Kelly Davis aboard her Taundi

2023

  • Debuted homebred and trained Coltrane at Grand Prix in Wellington, Florida

  • Coached clients to placings and wins at Adequan Global Dressage Festival in national and CDI rings

2022

  • Debuted client training horse, Osmond Interagro, to scores of 75% in his first year of showing

  • Coached client to top placings in the Dressage at Devon CDI ring, Ocala, and Global Dressage Festival

  • Coached working student to Gold medal achievement

2021

  • Coached 3 students to qualification for Festival of Champions, including Young Rider, Brentina Cup, and Equitation Finals under 18

2020

  • Competed Irish Draught stallion, Steeped In Luck, at the famous Grand Prix “Friday Night Lights” placing in top 8

2017

2018

  • Competed Steeped In Luck at Grand Prix, placing 6th at Dressage at Devon and 2nd & 3rd at Tryon

  • Achieved career high score at Grand Prix for Steeped In Luck

2013

  • Received prestigious Anne Barlow Ramsey Grant, enabling Liz to take Olivier and Coltrane to train with world renown Carl Hester

2012

  • Multiple wins and placings at Grand Prix on Florida CDI and CDI-W circuit

2011

  • Placed 10th at Festival of Champions Senior Grand Prix with Olivier

  • Multiple wins and placings at Grand Prix on Florida CDI and CDI-W circuit

2010

  • Placed 8th at Festival of Champions Senior Grand Prix with Olivier

  • Short listed for 2010 World Equestrian Games with Olivier

  • Multiple wins and placings at Grand Prix on Florida CDI and CDI-W circuit

2007

  • Champion of the renown Brentina Cup with Olivier, again!

  • Winner of the Saugerties CDI-W with Olivier

  • Placed 2nd at Grand Prix Special at Dressage at Devon with Olivier

2006

  • Champion of renown Brentina Cup with Olivier

  • Invited to Germany to train with Team Coach, Klaus Balkenhol for 2008 Olympics

2005

  • Overall Champion at Lendon Gray’s Youth Dressage Festival with Olivier

2004

  • Won Individual Silver at Region 8 Young Rider with Hierarch

2003

  • Placed Individual Top 10 at Region 8 Young Riders with Hierarch

2002

  • Selected for Region 8 Young Rider Team with Hierarch

From young horses to the international ring - the journey continues!

Now & Next

Now, Liz is focused on returning to the international ring! She has her sights set on future U.S. Team appearances and championship events, and is actively seeking the right horses and partnerships to get there! She is building a syndicate of owners and supporters who share her passion for developing horses with integrity and excellence, and who want to be part of the journey.

If you’re interested in partnering with Liz on her mission to show the world that the highest levels of sport can be achieved through kind and horse-focused training methods, reach out!

Beyond the competition arena, Liz is a dedicated teacher and mentor. She is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of riders. She regularly organizes clinics, youth programs, and training opportunities that emphasize both accessibility and excellence. Her philosophy is rooted in respect for the horse, precision in training, and the belief that great riding comes from patience, feel, and joy in the process.

When she’s not competing, Liz can be found at her base in Massachusetts or winter home in Florida, coaching her students, and enjoying quiet connections with the horses, like going on hacks or handing out treats in the barn.